We just secured a big win for Pastor Chris Avell and Dad’s Place Church in Bryan, Ohio.

Today, a panel of judges on the Court of Appeals of Ohio, Sixth Appellate District, issued an opinion preventing city officials from shutting down the church’s ministry and religious activities. In a thorough and well-reasoned order, the state appeals court said the lower trial court got it wrong when it ruled against our client and sent the case back down for reconsideration.

The decision allows Dad’s Place to continue its temporary shelter ministry as the civil lawsuit continues. Compelled by his faith, Pastor Chris keeps the church open 24/7 to minister and serve anyone who needs help or a place to stay out of the cold.

For over two years, the city has been aggressively attacking the church in court, including alleged zoning violations, middle-of-the-night fire inspections, police antagonism, and even filing criminal charges against Pastor Chris.

“We are grateful that the Court recognizes the weighty issues of Constitutional law at issue and has ensured that Dad’s Place can continue operating its vital ministry as temperatures begin to drop in Bryan,” said Jeremy Dys, Senior Counsel at First Liberty. “Religious exercise like serving the most vulnerable in our communities deserves the highest protection afforded by the First Amendment.”

This ruling is a major win, but this fight isn’t over yet. The case is being sent back to trial court, and we still have a lot of work ahead to secure a full and complete victory.

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$100,000 Challenge Grant Multiplies Your Impact

Pastor Chris and the people of Dad’s Place need your continued support in the next phase of their legal battle.

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Right now, you can multiply the impact of your gift with our $100,000 Giving Tuesday Challenge Grant. Your gift today will ensure that we can keep fighting for faith and delivering freedom for courageous clients like Pastor Chris.

But you must act by December 2nd to take advantage of this incredible giving opportunity.

Together, we can stop the hostility towards Pastor Chris and Dad’s Place.

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